VOLUNTEERS
We have many volunteers throughout the years that come and help us at the garden. We have community members who want to be a part of the garden as well as many organizations. The garden has hosted events with Peace Jam who brought Nobel Peace Prize Winner Rigoberta Manchu Tum to work in the garden, we've had The Japanese Society come to the garden to seek ways to keep their young people connected to old traditions, we've inspired organization such as The Conflict Center with our tiles and concepts, but non have been more dedicated than Peer I. This is a group of men who are incarcerated and are earning their way back to society. These men have lost young children to gangs and gang violence, the garden has touched their souls helping them understand how the choices they've made have contributed to the choices these children have made. We are all responsible for the outcome of our children and at some point have to accept our responsibility. The garden is helping these men heal and take a look at their lives and what they must do to help correct the wrongs. Ben Manchego is the one responsible for bringing these organizations together, and unfortunately has been affected by the violence. Ben and his wife Toni Manchego lost their daughter Jennifer Manchego in 1993. In honor of his work and dedication we will share the last poem his daughter wrote.
Peer 1 2008
IN HEAVEN WE'LL UNDERSTAND By Jennifer Manchego
Not now but in the coming years
It may be in the heavenly land
We'll read the meaning of our tears
Someday, in Heaven, we'll understand
We'll know why clouds instead of sun
Were over many a cherished plan
Why smiles have ceased when just begun
Someday, in Heaven, we'll understand
Then trust in God through all the days
Fear not for he doth hold thy hand
But while you live still sing and praise
Someday, in Heaven, we'll understand